F700GS review

[v8legend]

Edit: will give SUL a whirl though as I use it in my WRX (requirement) and the Z3 (improved mpg to 24! ).

This is a myth that keeps recirculating. The WRX doesn't need SUL. It certainly runs better on it though. As does my 800. All (petrol) vehicles sold in the UK must be able to run on regular (95) unleaded. This confusion comes about because of different labelling in other countries. We call 95RON regular and 97/99RON Super. In Japan (where the Scooby comes from) 95 is called Super. 97 is called something like Super plus. In the US, it different again.

Try this thread for further info http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146375&highlight=super+unleaded

 

[Gigsy]

This is a myth that keeps recirculating. The WRX doesn't need SUL. It certainly runs better on it though. As does my 800. All (petrol) vehicles sold in the UK must be able to run on regular (95) unleaded. This confusion comes about because of different labelling in other countries. We call 95RON regular and 97/99RON Super. In Japan (where the Scooby comes from) 95 is called Super. 97 is called something like Super plus. In the US, it different again.

Try this thread for further info http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146375&highlight=super+unleaded

I wouldn't say it's a myth per se but yes, it is a recommendation (as with many other high performance cars) rather than a requirement. I personally wouldn't make a habit out of running 95 RON on an Impreza (or other turbo charged car) though.

My own Impreza has been mapped specifically on 97 RON (by myself, I may add... I may be a GS newbie but I've been around the block a few times in Imprezas ) which is why it's a requirement in my case. Of course, it will still "run" on 95 but it starts to det at higher engine loads so I need to stay away from WOT until I can top it up with SUL if I've had to use 95 in an emergency.

In the US, they use a different measure for octane rating too (e.g. their 91 grade ~= our 95), in Europe they have 98 RON rather than the 97 we get here and in Japan, their high octane fuel is usually 100 RON. So yes, plenty of room for confusion in worldwide terminology. Not all fuel of the same octane rating is equal either - octane is just the fuel's resistance to detonation rather than a calorific value after all.

Once I've run my GS in, I'll do some back to back comparisons with 95 vs 97 and see how the land lies - might even see about hooking my laptop up to it and doing a bit of logging (is there any non OE software available? e.g. are they OBDII compliant? Can you map them yourself?).

 

[katyotter]

Just over a week... the dealer assured me that the grey ones were the fastest, best off-road and the most reliable

What an incredibly astute dealer, he was quite correct of course

 

[thomo57]

What an incredibly astute dealer, he was quite correct of course

That's genetics at work.... they got it from the incredibly fast and ultra reliable grey F800

 

[wortho]

Can anyone confirm what tyres are fitted to the F700GS as standard?
Cheers
Mark

 

[Gigsy]

Bridgestone Battle Wings

 

[wortho]

Bridgestone Battle Wings

Thanks Gigsy, Hopefully they will last a bit longer than the Trailwings on my last bike.

 

[Gigsy]

Thanks Gigsy, Hopefully they will last a bit longer than the Trailwings on my last bike.

Number 1 spot in MCNs Top 10 Longest Lasting Adventure Tyres survey... so hopefully a while.

Though I'm hoping not too long and that by the time mine wear out, I'll be competent enough to justify some more aggressive tyres like TCK80s

 

[katyotter]

That's genetics at work.... they got it from the incredibly fast and ultra reliable grey F800

I would not dispute that thomo57

 

[Gigsy]

I can now testify that F700GSs are pretty good in a flood... the road was flooded on my way home tonight - it's usually only a few inches deep when it floods. However, today it was a bit more than that, much to my surprise... more like 2 feet as I discovered part way through!

Feet got a little wet - not because the boots leaked, because the water went over the top of them whilst standing on the pegs!

Bike didn't miss a beat - thankfully!

 

[Dean]

I can now testify that F700GSs are pretty good in a flood... the road was flooded on my way home tonight - it's usually only a few inches deep when it floods. However, today it was a bit more than that, much to my surprise... more like 2 feet as I discovered part way through!

Feet got a little wet - not because the boots leaked, because the water went over the top of them whilst standing on the pegs!

Bike didn't miss a beat - thankfully!

The F650GS was doing it before the F700 was born and with one Disc

 

[Gigsy]

The F650GS was doing it before the F700 was born and with one Disc

Looks familiar (only it was dark which made seeing where I was going interesting )

 

[wortho]

There is a Launch report on the new F700/F800 in the December issue of Cycletorque. This is a free Aussie eMag and very good when viewed on the IPAD, just search for cycletorque in the app store.
The December issue is not yet available in pdf but should be in a few days.
http://www.cycletorque.com.au/home.php
Cheers
Mark

 

[grin factor]

There is a Launch report on the new F700/F800 in the December issue of Cycletorque. This is a free Aussie eMag and very good when viewed on the IPAD, just search for cycletorque in the app store.
The December issue is not yet available in pdf but should be in a few days.
http://www.cycletorque.com.au/home.php
Cheers
Mark

Good link for reviews.
Cheers mate.